DSPCA urges new pet owners to seek help before abandoning animals

They say they don't normally have any pets in at this early stage after Christmas.

"If anybody out there has gone and got an animal and knows somebody who got an animal for Christmas, often the problem they're having is something that's easy to solve," said spokesperson Gillian Bird.

"So don't immediately think of getting rid of the animal. Ring a charity like the ISPCA. We have lots of different departments that can help with dog training, veterinary advice - lots of different things.